Millions of UK TVs to Become Obsolete

Ofcom have announced the clearance of the 700 MHz band, which could spell the end of millions of 'Freeview' TV sets 

Back in 2007 Ofcom deliberated on the standard for future digital TV sets. The choice was  between the modern high-efficiency MPEG-4 DVB-T2 standard or the old MPEG-2 based DVB-T standard which was developed back in the previous century. 

The DVB-T2 standard supported High Definition and also enabled lower definition "625 line" stations to be transmitted using a greatly reduced bandwidth potentially allowing many more stations.

Ofcom chose to stick with the old DVB-T MPEG-2 system, meaning millions of TV’s were purchased using the old technology.

Currently some TV channels, such as the BBC's, are being broadcast on both Lower Definition DVB-T and High Definition DVB-T multiplexes. Ofcom has now announced that the HD TV multiplexes in the 700 MHz band will have to go. This move will force the old DVB-T MPEG-2 multiplexes in the remaining 470-694 MHz band to convert to the DVB-T2 standard to provide capacity for both lower definition and HD channels.

Consumers who have purchased TV's with the "FreeviewHD" logo should not be adversely affected by the second Digital Switchover (DSO2) but TV's which only say "Freeview" or "HD Ready" could be heading for the scrap heap. 

November 2007 - Ofcom Consultation on the Future of Digital Television
http://www.southgatearc.org/news/november2007/
future_of_digital_tv.htm

March 2016 Ofcom consultation on removing 700 MHz TV Multiplexes - 
http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/maximising-benefits-700MHz-clearance/

School SSTV CubeSat to Deploy from ISS

A Slow Scan TV (SSTV) CubeSat developed by students at Saint Thomas More Cathedral School (STM) in Arlington, Virginia, was deployed from the International Space Station on March 7 between 8-10am EST 

STM is thought to be the first Elementary school to build their own satellite, which included Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and First Grade students in the project.

The satellite, called STMSat-1, will transmit an SSTV signal on 437.800 MHz.

How Did 400 Grade School Students Built A Nano-Satellite? - 
http://jewelbots.tumblr.com/post/134465599599/how-did-400-grade-school-students-built-a

STMSat-1 - http://www.stmsat-1.org/
STMSat-1 Twitter - https://twitter.com/STMSAT11
STMSat-1 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/stmsat1/

UK Space Spectrum Strategy Consultation

Ofcom are consulting on their proposed Space Spectrum Strategy which covers the use of spectrum by the satellite and space science (including earth observation) sectors

“We also noted in the CFI (Call For Input) that the review does not cover amateur use of satellites. This remains the case, however we remain interested in views of the amateur satellite community where relevant.”

— Ofcom

The satellite and space science sectors already deliver important benefits to UK citizens and consumers, such as broadcast TV, global positioning, communications to ships and aircraft, satellite imagery and information about the climate. There is potential for greater benefits in the future and Ofcom want to make sure we are focusing our efforts on the issues that will unlock the biggest benefits.

Ofcom are inviting stakeholders views on their analysis and proposed priorities. Once confirmed, the strategy will shape the prioritisation of work in these sectors over the coming years.

Alongside this document, Ofcom are publishing a range of interactive data on use of spectrum by the satellite and space science sectors.

Responses must be made by 10th May 2016.

Consultation document and associated data - 
http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/space-spectrum-strategy/